Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/8/2007

Question
I am 27 almost 28 fairly active, when I was very young I was told I had IBS, had an active ucler and had mild eurosive esophogitis <-- sorry about spelling). I went through a study about 12 years ago for it and not had much problems since then, nor with IBS as I rarely have abdominal pain anymore and only on occasion. I have not been scoped for atleast 10 years to check on my esophogus nor had anychecks rectaly for some year either. I am very regular in my bowls, however recently it has been more often and the last few times I have noticed a bright red, non-crimson blood on my toilet paper, but nothing that would look like blood in the stool, I am straight and have no hemoroids, and no family history of any issues other than my own. I will have a bowl movement and be clean and then sometime later feel that I need to wipe, when I do it is bright red almost like water and blood. Since I am healthy and have had no issues in some years I don't have a regular doctor or interologist anymore as they have retired and haven't seen anyone in over 6 or 7 years. Should I be worried about this or see how long it continues?

Answer
ANY rectal bleeding SHOULD be examined! So I urge you to let a dr. check you - best with a colonoscopy! It may very well turn out to be nothing of consequence but then we do know that and any risks have been eliminated! Without knowing they are NOT! Good luck!